(Photo: Seatgeek)
Saturday Spotlight
(15) Michigan Wolverines at (18) Oklahoma Sooners
Michigan: (1-0):
I knew last season would be an uphill battle for this program for several reasons. First, they lost many key players from the 2023 team that won the National Championship. Jim Harbaugh then rode off into the sunset after finally capturing that elusive title, returning to the NFL to become the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. At this point, it’s basic knowledge: you must have consistent play from the most important position—quarterback. Without it, you won’t get far in this sport. In 2024, the passing attack struggled. Michigan eclipsed 200 passing yards in just two games all season, with 208 yards being their highest total. In the offseason, there was a lot of hype surrounding a young man named Bryce Underwood, and he made his debut last weekend against New Mexico at the Big House. He didn’t disappoint, completing 21 of 31 pass attempts for 251 yards and a touchdown. Of course, you want to see him perform against big-name opponents, but we got a glimpse of what he’s capable of. One thing this Michigan group will always do is run the football—and Justice Haynes delivered, rushing for 159 yards. The defense also did what it usually does. You’ve heard about Penn State, Ohio State, and Oregon. But would I be crazy to say Michigan is a sleeper team in the Big Ten? A team just under two years removed from a national title? I’ve seen how good this group can be when everything clicks on all cylinders. Tonight, they step up in class to face an up-and-coming Sooners team in Norman—under the lights.
Oklahoma (1-0):
The Sooners have been trying to rediscover their identity over the last few years. When Lincoln Riley left for Southern California, I was thrilled when they hired Brent Venables to fill the head coaching vacancy. I had seen what he accomplished under Dabo Swinney at Clemson, and could only imagine what he had learned from one of the best in the sport. Since arriving in Norman, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Brent has a record of 23–17 as a head coach, with no bowl wins. At one point, this program had three straight years of elite quarterback play: Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts. Two won the Heisman Trophy, two went first overall in the NFL Draft, and all three are now starting quarterbacks in the league. In 2024, the Oklahoma offense ranked in the bottom 15 nationally in both yards per play and points per drive. As a result, Brent made two important hires: Ben Arbuckle, the former Washington State offensive coordinator, and John Mateer, the quarterback who followed Arbuckle from Wazzu to Norman. Mateer entered a great situation, with an offense that returns 71% of its production from last season and an experienced offensive line to protect him. Oklahoma should be much improved on that side of the ball. Defensively, the Sooners enter the year stronger overall, though the secondary remains the weakest link. And let’s not forget—they’re now in the SEC, a conference that includes Texas, Georgia, LSU, Alabama, and Florida. It’s understandable why they’re flying under the radar a bit. Tonight, they welcome Sherrone Moore’s Michigan Wolverines to town.
Michigan X-Factor: Jyaire Hill
As a sophomore, Hill had a strong impact in 2024 with his tackling and ability to find the football. He’s stout in run defense—something you don’t often see from defensive backs—and can be sent on corner blitzes to disrupt the quarterback. In pass coverage, Hill can shut down an entire side of the field and make quarterbacks hesitate before throwing his way. Tonight, he’ll be tested, especially when lined up against receivers like Keontez Lewis.
Oklahoma X-Factor: Jaren Kanak
I mentioned earlier that Brent Venables went all-in on the transfer portal to boost his offense. One major addition was Jaren Kanak, a former linebacker turned tight end. This kid is a true athlete who creates mismatches all over the field. Because of his defensive background, he also understands how linebackers operate in coverage. I don’t think Michigan has the personnel at linebacker—or even at safety—to consistently keep up with Kanak. He’s a weapon designed to exploit Michigan’s defensive tendencies.
Final Thoughts:
Believe it or not, tonight marks just the second meeting ever between these two programs—the first since 1976, when they squared off in the Orange Bowl. Both Michigan and Oklahoma are looking to prove they belong in the College Football Playoff conversation, making this an important early-season showdown. One thing to watch: Michigan’s defense is very blitz-heavy. Oklahoma will likely counter with screens and quick throws to neutralize that aggressive front. We also have a fascinating quarterback matchup: Bryce Underwood makes his first true road start, while John Mateer gets his first taste of a Wink Martindale defense. Michigan’s offensive line will have its hands full with a veteran Sooners defensive front. I expect Brent Venables to throw a variety of looks at Bryce to try and get him off his spot. If Michigan can establish Justice Haynes and force a few Oklahoma turnovers, they’ll have a strong chance to pull off a win. However, they’ll need to clean up the penalties that plagued their defense last weekend in Week 1. Oklahoma has home-field advantage and more experience among its skill position players. That could be the difference.
